NO. 32 BIRDS OF ALEUTIAN ISLANDS BENT 25 



twittering notes sounded like an immense flock of Peep in full cry 

 or like the distant peeping of countless Hylas. 



CEPPHUS COLUMBA 



Pigeon Guillemot 



A few were seen at St. Paul and Walrus islands, and a few about 

 the high clififs of St. Alatthew Island. They were probably breeding 

 at all of these places, but we spent no time in hunting for their nests. 



URIA TROILLE CALIFORNICA 



California Murre 



Although the Alurre colonies at Bogoslof Island were the most 

 extensive I had ever seen and probably included the greatest num- 

 ber of birds, they were totally eclipsed in density by the wonderful 

 colonies on Walrus Island. This is a most remarkable little island, 

 an ornithological wonderland, where ten species of seabirds breed 

 in countless multitudes, far surpassing anything I have ever seen. 

 The California Murres rank first in numbers, literally covering the 

 low cliffs and rocky shores all aound the island, as well as large 

 spaces on top of it, with dense masses of birds sitting remarkably 

 closely. They were exceedingly tame or stupid and would allow a 

 near approach, but if hard pressed they would rise on their toes and 

 waddle off, flapping their wings rapidly ; the clatter of many hundred 

 pairs of wings increasing to a deafening roar, they would pour ofif in 

 streams, stumbling over each other as they scrambled down to the 

 water, pattering over its surface to join the distant rafts of Murres 

 on the water or diving straight downward and flying away rapidly 

 below the surface. Plenty of Murres, mostly of this species, were 

 breeding on the perpendicular cliffs of St. Matthew Island. 



URIA LOMVIA ARRA 



Pallas's Murre 



Among the vast hosts of California Murres on Walrus Island were 

 a few of this species. On the cliffs of St. Paul Island this species 

 was breeding among the Pufiins and Kittiwakes. At St. Matthew 

 Island a few Pallas's Murres were seen, although they were far out- 

 numbered by the foregoing species. All through Bering Sea Pallas's 

 Murres were frequently seen flying about, even out of sight of land, 

 in small flocks or singly. 



